- Joined
- Jul 24, 2015
- Messages
- 7
- Purraise
- 1
First I would like to thank everyone that had posted on my thread in the Cat Health section.
http://www.thecatsite.com/t/302452/cat-slowly-dying-from-mystery-illness#post_3796162
I want to talk about my amazing little girl. Her story should be told. It is probably more of a letter to her than anything.
In December of 2014 I found myself living on my own for the first time. It was a scary yet amazing experience. I have a Boston terrier named Sadie that I have raised since I was 14 years old and at that point she was my sole companion.
In January of 2015 I walked into my local PetSmart to buy my Sadie girl some food and a new leash. The path I took that day to the back of the store led me past the cat adoption area. Normally I walk by wistfully wishing for the day I could have a cat. I always wanted one and never could because of the allergies of my mom and sister. That day I probably would have kept on walking except I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. It was her.
I couldn't resist I wanted to go in and say hi right away. But there was no one there to let me at that time. Sadly, I walked away and retrieved my items. That night I couldn't stop thinking about the cat at the adoption center so the next day I went in again. At first I thought someone had already adopted her because I could not find her. But as I stepped into the room she appeared from under the cages and walked straight toward me. She butted my hand and meowed and purred so sweetly for me. I fell in love at that moment. I applied for the adoption process for her that day and 3 days later I picked her up and headed to her new home.
Her first night home.
Aww just look at those sweet green eyes. That's why I named her Lily. So sweet and vibrant like a flower. Although, she spent that whole first day hiding behind my toilet in the box I used to carry her home. She wondered out of the bathroom on the second day. Only for her to hide in the box springs of my mattress. I honestly couldn't find her for a little while. I checked everywhere until I noticed a bulge under the bed. That was your favorite hiding spot. You hid there for three days until I manage to tempt you out with some cat treats and Friskies. That night, however, as I was falling asleep I heard a soft meow. She climbed up to my pillow and lay her head on my shoulder purring contently. She knew she was home. I was so happy.
The next morning I awoke to this.
Aww Lily girl we fell in love fast, didn't we. Not a day went by that I didn't awake to your cute face almost touching my nose. Those are the moments I think I will miss the most.
I don't know how your life was before I had you. I know you were found in a dumpster and that broke my heart. I knew you just wanted to love someone and be loved. I know that you took a liking to my dog, Sadie, right away. Although, it took her a little longer to accept her new little sister. But eventually you won her over. I guess it was the fact you followed her around almost as much as you did me. You slept on my pillow she slept at my feet. The perfect arrangement. You were so attached to Sadie. Every time I had to take Sadie out for her walk you would meow for her at the door begging me to bring her back. I remember the one time I had to put Sadie in daycare for two days and a night because my schedule got hectic. You were so forlorn. You sat on the couch by the door and waited for her to come back. Sadly, now it is Sadie that is waiting by the door. Wondering when I am going to be bringing you back. She keeps laying on your chair and looking under the bed.
It was cold when I got you. But, I realized really fast that you had a fascination with the outside. So everyday before I left for work I would open the blinds for you. You always seemed so content to lay on your tree tower and look out the window softly swishing your tail as you watched whatever it was that caught your eye. Then spring came and I opened a window to let some air in before I left for work. I came home to this.
I thought this was the cutest thing. Every time I tried to close the window you would put your paw in its path and look at me daring me to try to. You always won. You loved the outside, I almost felt bad by not taking you out there. But, I didn't want to lose you and I was scared you would get sick or hurt. So, I kept those windows open for you and you loved it. Lily, you knew you had me wrapped around your little paw. At night when I was trying to study or do my work you would keep me company. Constantly trying to be on my lap or get me to play fetch with you and your feather toys.
My late night work never felt lonely with you. You got me through some pretty stressful projects and my 3 a.m. late night work.
When Josh, my boyfriend, and I decided to get an apartment together I was so excited. He adored you, called you muffins and fed you a lot more treats than I did. I was worried you would love him more than me like Sadie did. But that never happened. You always were my special little girl. I know it was stressful for you when I started packing up in April. After all, you had just gotten cozy in my place. I had too. But, this was a big change for the both of us and you had so many boxes to play with. I would no sooner pack them then to find you had destroyed most of the corners. Remember when you got stuck in my wardrobe box and I had to come rescue you from all my clothes. I truly believe there will never be enough card board boxes for you destroy and you will never get tired of destroying them.
On June 9th my grandfather passed away and I headed out of town. That was the first time I left you. I was so sad. I made arrangements with my friends to watch you and put Sadie in a pet hotel. I felt horrible for leaving you alone when I know you needed company. Two days later I came back and oh you were so happy to see me. You kept rubbing your head on me and meowing and I apologized for leaving you.
On June 13th we loaded up the boxes into a U-Haul and moved across town into the suburbs. Although moving was stressful for us both I think we both won in the end with it. The space was so much bigger. You had a whole guest room to yourself. but I think at the end of the day you had your one single favorite thing.
Yes, we had a balcony now. Oh you were in kitty heaven. Such bliss in the sun. I never saw you happier than you were in the mornings with the sun coming in. You would lay out there while I ate breakfast and drank my coffee. Always keeping me company. Lily you never truly left my side. Where ever I was, there you were also. I think that is the hardest part. I stepped out of the shower today expecting to see you on the bathmat waiting to be picked up and fed. When I was eating breakfast I tried to find you to put you in the sun and when I came in from walking Sadie I opened the door slowly because you used lay by the crack waiting for us. It is almost cruel thinking I am here enjoying the day to day activities we did together. It hurts knowing we won't do them anymore.
When you got sick I don't think I've ever been more terrified. I stayed up all night at the vet's with you laying in my lap so limp and so vacant. I checked you into the hospital and felt like I would break down. The next day they called me. Said you were doing so much better. They sent you home with me. You seemed like you would be ok.
You still wanted to be out on the balcony and you still wanted to see Sadie and me. But, I could tell, you weren't feeling well.
A week after these pictures were taken I took you back to the vet. I thought everything was better. I thought the antibiotics did the trick. I was wrong. A day later on Thursday I was getting ready for work and checked on you. You were laying there on your side, not moving. I rushed you to the emergency vet. He came into the room and told me you had stopped breathing. I couldn't stop crying. You were alive, but barely. What if I had just taken a shorter shower? What if I had checked on you sooner? These doubts plague me. When the vet called the next day he told me you had neurological damage he said sometimes it can heal and you could get better. I hoped and prayed. On Saturday I was able to come in and see you. You looked so sad. You couldn't move. You wanted to. You kept reaching your paws out for me. I could only pet you with gloves on because at that point you had no immune system. You look so frail then. The vibrancy you once had was gone, the light in your eyes diminished. You were struggling. I left you there that night knowing I would have to do something soon.
The next day the vet called again. I had a choice. You could no longer eat or control your body, you were becoming jaundice. I could put a feeding tube in you or let you go. Slowly, I made my way to where you were. I brought the people who also loved you. We pet you and put you next to the window in the office so you could look outside. You watched the birds a I saw a little bit of you again for a short time. But, you were tired, and you were in pain. I knew it was time.
I let you go little girl. I loved you for 7 of your short 14 months in this world. I'm hurting now, I miss you and would do anything to have you back. But, you are no longer in pain. The evil sickness that took you will always be a mystery to me. I'm so angry at it. I hate that it was so cruel to you that it took you too soon. I'm so angry I couldn't protect you.
But, Lily, I will always remember our short time together. You purred into my heart. I never knew that I would love you so desperately. And when you left, I was devastated. Who knew that I could have love from so many people and Sadie, and yet still feel so empty without you. At the end I want to remember the love we had for each other, the joy you brought me, and the home I gave you. Here is to you Lily girl. May I see you again. Until then, chase all birds you want, lay in the sun, destroy those card board boxes, and remember me like I will remember you.
Sweet Lily. Sweet sweet girl. Good-bye for now. Until then, this Love will never die.
Love,
Mommy Christine
Lily (May 2014- July 26 2015)
http://www.thecatsite.com/t/302452/cat-slowly-dying-from-mystery-illness#post_3796162
I want to talk about my amazing little girl. Her story should be told. It is probably more of a letter to her than anything.
In December of 2014 I found myself living on my own for the first time. It was a scary yet amazing experience. I have a Boston terrier named Sadie that I have raised since I was 14 years old and at that point she was my sole companion.
In January of 2015 I walked into my local PetSmart to buy my Sadie girl some food and a new leash. The path I took that day to the back of the store led me past the cat adoption area. Normally I walk by wistfully wishing for the day I could have a cat. I always wanted one and never could because of the allergies of my mom and sister. That day I probably would have kept on walking except I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. It was her.
I couldn't resist I wanted to go in and say hi right away. But there was no one there to let me at that time. Sadly, I walked away and retrieved my items. That night I couldn't stop thinking about the cat at the adoption center so the next day I went in again. At first I thought someone had already adopted her because I could not find her. But as I stepped into the room she appeared from under the cages and walked straight toward me. She butted my hand and meowed and purred so sweetly for me. I fell in love at that moment. I applied for the adoption process for her that day and 3 days later I picked her up and headed to her new home.
Her first night home.
Aww just look at those sweet green eyes. That's why I named her Lily. So sweet and vibrant like a flower. Although, she spent that whole first day hiding behind my toilet in the box I used to carry her home. She wondered out of the bathroom on the second day. Only for her to hide in the box springs of my mattress. I honestly couldn't find her for a little while. I checked everywhere until I noticed a bulge under the bed. That was your favorite hiding spot. You hid there for three days until I manage to tempt you out with some cat treats and Friskies. That night, however, as I was falling asleep I heard a soft meow. She climbed up to my pillow and lay her head on my shoulder purring contently. She knew she was home. I was so happy.
The next morning I awoke to this.
Aww Lily girl we fell in love fast, didn't we. Not a day went by that I didn't awake to your cute face almost touching my nose. Those are the moments I think I will miss the most.
I don't know how your life was before I had you. I know you were found in a dumpster and that broke my heart. I knew you just wanted to love someone and be loved. I know that you took a liking to my dog, Sadie, right away. Although, it took her a little longer to accept her new little sister. But eventually you won her over. I guess it was the fact you followed her around almost as much as you did me. You slept on my pillow she slept at my feet. The perfect arrangement. You were so attached to Sadie. Every time I had to take Sadie out for her walk you would meow for her at the door begging me to bring her back. I remember the one time I had to put Sadie in daycare for two days and a night because my schedule got hectic. You were so forlorn. You sat on the couch by the door and waited for her to come back. Sadly, now it is Sadie that is waiting by the door. Wondering when I am going to be bringing you back. She keeps laying on your chair and looking under the bed.
It was cold when I got you. But, I realized really fast that you had a fascination with the outside. So everyday before I left for work I would open the blinds for you. You always seemed so content to lay on your tree tower and look out the window softly swishing your tail as you watched whatever it was that caught your eye. Then spring came and I opened a window to let some air in before I left for work. I came home to this.
I thought this was the cutest thing. Every time I tried to close the window you would put your paw in its path and look at me daring me to try to. You always won. You loved the outside, I almost felt bad by not taking you out there. But, I didn't want to lose you and I was scared you would get sick or hurt. So, I kept those windows open for you and you loved it. Lily, you knew you had me wrapped around your little paw. At night when I was trying to study or do my work you would keep me company. Constantly trying to be on my lap or get me to play fetch with you and your feather toys.
My late night work never felt lonely with you. You got me through some pretty stressful projects and my 3 a.m. late night work.
When Josh, my boyfriend, and I decided to get an apartment together I was so excited. He adored you, called you muffins and fed you a lot more treats than I did. I was worried you would love him more than me like Sadie did. But that never happened. You always were my special little girl. I know it was stressful for you when I started packing up in April. After all, you had just gotten cozy in my place. I had too. But, this was a big change for the both of us and you had so many boxes to play with. I would no sooner pack them then to find you had destroyed most of the corners. Remember when you got stuck in my wardrobe box and I had to come rescue you from all my clothes. I truly believe there will never be enough card board boxes for you destroy and you will never get tired of destroying them.
On June 9th my grandfather passed away and I headed out of town. That was the first time I left you. I was so sad. I made arrangements with my friends to watch you and put Sadie in a pet hotel. I felt horrible for leaving you alone when I know you needed company. Two days later I came back and oh you were so happy to see me. You kept rubbing your head on me and meowing and I apologized for leaving you.
On June 13th we loaded up the boxes into a U-Haul and moved across town into the suburbs. Although moving was stressful for us both I think we both won in the end with it. The space was so much bigger. You had a whole guest room to yourself. but I think at the end of the day you had your one single favorite thing.
Yes, we had a balcony now. Oh you were in kitty heaven. Such bliss in the sun. I never saw you happier than you were in the mornings with the sun coming in. You would lay out there while I ate breakfast and drank my coffee. Always keeping me company. Lily you never truly left my side. Where ever I was, there you were also. I think that is the hardest part. I stepped out of the shower today expecting to see you on the bathmat waiting to be picked up and fed. When I was eating breakfast I tried to find you to put you in the sun and when I came in from walking Sadie I opened the door slowly because you used lay by the crack waiting for us. It is almost cruel thinking I am here enjoying the day to day activities we did together. It hurts knowing we won't do them anymore.
When you got sick I don't think I've ever been more terrified. I stayed up all night at the vet's with you laying in my lap so limp and so vacant. I checked you into the hospital and felt like I would break down. The next day they called me. Said you were doing so much better. They sent you home with me. You seemed like you would be ok.
You still wanted to be out on the balcony and you still wanted to see Sadie and me. But, I could tell, you weren't feeling well.
A week after these pictures were taken I took you back to the vet. I thought everything was better. I thought the antibiotics did the trick. I was wrong. A day later on Thursday I was getting ready for work and checked on you. You were laying there on your side, not moving. I rushed you to the emergency vet. He came into the room and told me you had stopped breathing. I couldn't stop crying. You were alive, but barely. What if I had just taken a shorter shower? What if I had checked on you sooner? These doubts plague me. When the vet called the next day he told me you had neurological damage he said sometimes it can heal and you could get better. I hoped and prayed. On Saturday I was able to come in and see you. You looked so sad. You couldn't move. You wanted to. You kept reaching your paws out for me. I could only pet you with gloves on because at that point you had no immune system. You look so frail then. The vibrancy you once had was gone, the light in your eyes diminished. You were struggling. I left you there that night knowing I would have to do something soon.
The next day the vet called again. I had a choice. You could no longer eat or control your body, you were becoming jaundice. I could put a feeding tube in you or let you go. Slowly, I made my way to where you were. I brought the people who also loved you. We pet you and put you next to the window in the office so you could look outside. You watched the birds a I saw a little bit of you again for a short time. But, you were tired, and you were in pain. I knew it was time.
I let you go little girl. I loved you for 7 of your short 14 months in this world. I'm hurting now, I miss you and would do anything to have you back. But, you are no longer in pain. The evil sickness that took you will always be a mystery to me. I'm so angry at it. I hate that it was so cruel to you that it took you too soon. I'm so angry I couldn't protect you.
But, Lily, I will always remember our short time together. You purred into my heart. I never knew that I would love you so desperately. And when you left, I was devastated. Who knew that I could have love from so many people and Sadie, and yet still feel so empty without you. At the end I want to remember the love we had for each other, the joy you brought me, and the home I gave you. Here is to you Lily girl. May I see you again. Until then, chase all birds you want, lay in the sun, destroy those card board boxes, and remember me like I will remember you.
Sweet Lily. Sweet sweet girl. Good-bye for now. Until then, this Love will never die.
Love,
Mommy Christine
Lily (May 2014- July 26 2015)
